In this chapter, the findings of two research studies are summarised. The first, by Penumbra (2001) examines the perceptions and experiences of young people who self-harm. The second, by Stephanie Caroline Davies (2002) examines antecedents and maintenance factors of self-harm.

Penumbra Research With Young People Who Self-Harm

In January 2001, Penumbra (one of Scotland’s leading mental health organisations) published a report on a piece of action research carried out in Edinburgh with young people who self-harm entitled ‘No Harm in Listening’. Presented in this section are the main findings together with testimonies from some of the young people involved with the research.

Summary Of The Main Findings

• There is a significant lack of understanding about self-harm and the issues surrounding it amongst the public and professionals alike.
• Increased awareness is essential to de-stigmatise self-harm, and to develop the work undertaken with individuals who self-harm.
• Services for young people in Edinburgh, and surrounding areas who self-harm are woefully inadequate – more support services need to be developed.
• The views of young people who self-harm concerning the development of service provision, or the suitability of their own specific treatment and support plans are rarely considered. Young people should be involved and consulted in relation to service reviews and developments.
• Professionals often apply ‘labels’ to explain self-harming behaviour, yet rarely address the underlying causes. In other words, they treat the symptoms, but overlook the causes.
• Some of the sample group perceived existing services as judgemental and stigmatising of young people who self-harmed.
• When receiving treatment for wounds at A&E, privacy is essential to alleviate the likelihood of increased distress. Efforts to provide a separate room, or ‘cordoned’ off area should be made. All medical procedures and treatments need explaining to the individual in advance, and any questions he or she may have should be answered.

Testimonies From The Young People

About Starting Self-Harm

Self-Harm: An Examination Of Antecedent And Maintenance Factors

A Study By Stephanie Caroline Davies (2002)

This summary of an unpublished study carried out by Stephanie Davies as part of a Masters Degree in Forensic Behavioural Science at Liverpool University, provides important information, as well as reinforcing many of the findings discussed elsewhere in this book.

Aims Of The Study

The study had two aims (1) to gain greater insight into the antecedents that lead to self-harm and (2) to establish factors that maintain it. Completing a semi-structured questionnaire, primarily consisting of multiple-choice questions with space provided for additional information, three hundred and twenty five respondents, recruited from various self-harm support groups on the Internet, participated in the study. Figure 5.1 provides information about the respondents’ self-harm, followed by Figure 5.2 significant events, which suggests that certain life events may trigger and maintain the self-harm response. A written summary of the findings is available following the tables.

Summary Of The Findings

The sample group comprised mainly females, most of whom had started harming in their teens. The principal method used to self-harm was cutting, with burning chosen as a second method. Arms were the most frequently targeted area, followed by the legs. This could possibly be associated with a preference for concealing the wounds from others (which challenges the myth of attention seeking), or/and so the wound can be easily seen and reached. Some respondents stated they chose a particular area due to being ‘abused there’. Regrettably, no further clarification was forthcoming, making this a potentially significant area for future study.

Imitative Behaviour

The majority of respondents had not heard about self-harm prior to starting; those who had mainly disagreed that hearing about it had influenced their decision to start. Therefore, it would seem that a leaning towards self-harm is not predisposed by having heard about it, and that other factors must play a part in shaping the choice to start.